Snowfeather was awoken in the morning by the yowl of Rabbitfur. His voice boomed through the camp. "WeedClan, awake!"

            Snowfeather slowly opened her eyes, lifting herself to her feet. Before she could move, Rabbitfur burst into her den. "Awake, Snowstar! Your clan awaits for you to lead them on patrol."

            "Do you always wake up so early?" she asked.

            Rabbitfur nodded. "Yes, Snowstar. Now go, you must start your patrol!"

            "I don't even know where I'm going," Snowfeather argued as Rabbitfur pushed her out of the den. Immediately, the same warriors stood by her side like guards, protecting her. Snowfeather stood tall and proud as she walked towards the rock, remembering that she had to get the cats to trust her in order to escape.

            She slowly padded onto the familiar log, looking at the clanmates who cheered as they gazed at her.

            "Cats of WeedClan," she purred. Cats began to silence their cries, and Snowfeather felt Rabbitfur stand beside her. "It is my honor to lead my very first patrol as leader of WeedClan!"

            Cats erupted in cheer, silenced as Rabbitfur began to read off the names of cats who were lucky to patrol with their leader. Once he had finished, the guards stood by Snowfeather's side again as she walked down the log, beginning to pad into the forest.

            Rabbitfur walked beside her as she began to lead the cats. "Now, we usually patrol along the tree line," he said, pointing to the thick brush of trees. "We then head by the river and the meadow, making a complete circle. I'll guide you this first time, only this first time. You must remember from then on."

            Snowfeather nodded. "Of course," she said.

            She padded with Rabbitfur through the forest, the guards still at Snowfeather's side. She knew Rabbitfur was only taking precautionary measures in case she did try to escape, which she would if she had the chance. She had to gain his trust, that was all. Most of all, she had to gain his trust and escape before her kits were born. What would Rabbitfur do to them if they were born while she was still in WeedClan?

            She continued through the forest, realizing how dark it was. It was nothing like the beautiful MoonClan forest or the forest she had trained in with Stonecloud and Silverwhisker. This was much worse.

            Burnt trees lined the forest, ashes covering the floor. Crows cried up ahead, flying through the woods.

            "This forest is a bit, um, different," Snowfeather told Rabbitfur.

            "It is all right, Snowstar. You may say that it is a failing forest. But you will bring the water and plants back," Rabbitfur assured her.

            "Of course," Snowfeather told him, continuing on her way. She turned the corner with Rabbitfur, walking over some more ashes. She coughed as some flew in her face, and the guards immediately stopped.

            "Snowstar, are you alright?" one of them asked.

            Snowfeather nodded. "Fine, just inhaled some ash. Continue on the way," she instructed.

            She continued through the woods, still gazing at the dying forest. What had happened before that had caused it to fail like this?

            "We're nearing the river," Rabbitfur told her.

            Snowfeather nodded, waiting to hear the trickling water. She could not hear a sound though as they padded through bushes. They came to the snowy riverside, and Snowfeather peered over, seeing the river. It was nearly a quarter full, not nearly frozen over yet. The water was brown and dirty, most likely from the ash and other chemicals.

            "This is your water source?" she asked.

            Rabbitfur nodded. "Yes, Snowstar. The snowmelt will allow it to be clean once more."

            "WeedClan will die if they drink this polluted water. Are there any other sources nearby?"

            Rabbitfur shook his head. "Sadly, no. Do not worry, Snowstar. Leaf-bare is halfway through. We'll survive."

            Snowfeather did not like the idea of drinking the polluted water, but she decided she had to agree with Rabbitfur.

            They continued on their way, coming to the meadow now, she supposed. When the trees did clear, Snowfeather noticed the snow covered meadow. Nothing in it moved. Only dead trees and branches covered the ground near it.

            "Is this a good hunting spot?" she asked.

            "At times," Rabbitfur told her.

            "How is it you're able to strive without a good water source and little food," Snowfeather asked.

            "Why, Snowstar, don't you remember about the powers our clan possesses? Miststorm," Rabbitfur snapped to a small gray she-cat. "Come here and demonstrate your water powers to Snowstar."

            "Of course, Rabbitfur," the she-cat spoke, bowing her head. She came forward, beginning to concentrate. Snowfeather watched as she shut her eyes tighter and tighter, only for nothing to happen.

            "You fool!" Rabbitfur snapped, zapping the she-cat. Miststorm fell over in pain.

            "What was that for?" Snowfeather asked.

            "She was not quick enough, Snowstar," Rabbitfur explained.

            Snowfeather went over to Miststorm's side, helping the she-cat up. "Perhaps you did not give her enough time, Rabbitfur. Let her do what is to be done for however long it takes."

            "May I remind you that you are not an expert of this clan yet?" Rabbitfur asked, standing over her.

            "I may not be an expert, but I am your leader and your only hope, so it is best if you listen to me," she spat.

            She watched as Rabbitfur stood aside, letting Miststorm try again. Snowfeather watched as the she-cat concentrated once more. Suddenly, water began to rise from the ground, swirling around the she-cat. Slowly it fell like raindrops from the sky. Cats opened their mouths, letting the water fall in.

            "Is this how you drink when the water is polluted?" Snowfeather asked Rabbitfur.

            Rabbitfur nodded. "We have a few cats gifted like this. Some can detect prey, some are skilled fighters. We're all gifted, Snowstar."

            "I see," Snowfeather said. "Is this all then?"

            Rabbitfur nodded. "Yes, Snowstar. Come, WeedClan, let's make our descent back!" Rabbitfur snapped.

            Snowfeather followed Rabbitfur back to the camp where she was escorted back to her den. A rabbit was left at her den which she ate quickly. She drank the water from the moss provided then sat in her den, wondering if she would be able to escape out of the den by digging a hole.

            Before she could even attempt, Rabbitfur padded into her den. "Snowstar," he spoke, bowing. "I have come to check on you."

            "I am fine, Rabbitfur," Snowfeather assured him.

            "I have also come to ask if your stay has been well so far at WeedClan," Rabbitfur said.

            Snowfeather stiffened, knowing her experience was terrible. "It is perfect, Rabbitfur. I never want to return home. WeedClan is my home now."

            She watched Rabbitfur smile. "What a good she-cat," he purred. "I would like you to know we will only hold you captive like this for a little while longer. You are proving to be an excellent leader."

            "Why, thank you, Rabbitfur. Do what you must for the clan," she told him. "I must ask, how did the clan get like this?"

            "Ah, you have not heard the tale," Rabbitfur told her. "Sit down beside me, Snowstar. I will tell you."

            Snowfeather nodded, sitting beside the tom. "Many ages ago when the first clan threatened to attack WeedClan, our StarClan ancestors came to us, telling us the prophecy that has just recently been fulfilled. No cat knew what it meant. Then the wars began. As a promise, StarClan gifted all cats with powers to protect themselves from these wars. For years these wars take place, for years the forest faltered. When I was only a kit, a clan set the entire forest on fire in attempt to wipe out the entire WeedClan population. They failed, only leaving a dying forest instead. We continue to strive."

            "I see," Snowfeather spoke. "What other powers do cats possess?"

            "Too many to describe, Snowstar," Rabbitfur told her, standing up.

            "Rabbitfur," Snowfeather said.

            He turned, gazing at her. "What is it, Snowstar?"

            "I noticed you told me there was a magical border put on this camp so I could not use my powers. How are you able to?" Snowfeather asked.

            "Simple. The spell was only to contain your powers, not every cat's powers. Is that all, Snowstar?"

            "One last thing," Snowfeather told him. "I am thrilled to be serving WeedClan, and I'd give my life for this clan," she spoke, hoping he'd believe her.

            Rabbitfur smiled. "As would I, Snowstar. As would I."

            With those words, he left. Snowfeather turned to the back of her den in anger, scratching her claws down the rough rocks of the den. Oh, how she wanted to get out of here. She wanted to go home to FoxClan, to Lionstripe, to Cloudfoot and Rainwhisker. But no, she was stuck here.

            "StarClan, why aren't you here?" she whispered. She fell to the floor, tears silently falling. "Please help me," she begged. "Help me, my kits. Comfort Lionstripe. Please," she whispered.

            With those words, she drifted off to sleep.